FED: Costello clarification not confusing, insists supporter

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2008
FED: Costello clarification not confusing, insists supporter

A senior Liberal has denied PETER COSTELLO created more confusion than clarity yesterday
.. when he publicly ruled out challenging BRENDAN NELSON for the coalition leadership.

When the recently reclusive Mr COSTELLO was asked if he intended to challenge for the
leadership .. he replied he wasn't .. and that everybody knows it.

But he gave no clarification about whether he might enter the fray if ambitious treasury
spokesman MALCOLM TURNBULL put his hand up for the leadership .. or if he could be drafted
if Dr NELSON stepped aside.

Liberal Senator GEORGE BRANDIS .. a Costello supporter .. defended the former treasurer
against accusations he was milking leadership speculation to boost sales of his memoirs
.. to be released next month.

AAP RTV jcd/psm/

KEYWORD: LIBERALS BRANDIS (CANBERRA)

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